01/05/2018 - May Day is our Day!

“It is labor indeed that puts the difference on everything.” » John Locke

1 May is celebrated in many lands as both a traditional springtime festival and a global day honouring workers. It's a festival of laborers and workers for their achievements. It is marked to honour their hard work.

May Day has a bloody history. The date was originally chosen to memorialize the 1886 Haymarket incident in Chicago. There, participants in a general strike to support an eight-hour day were fired on by police.

Eight people died after the incident which was provoked by an unknown person throwing a bomb at the police. Hundreds of labour leaders and sympathizers were later rounded-up and four were executed by hanging, after an improper trial. This history reminds us that Unions have always had to fight for the rights of workers against vested interests inclined to use the law against them.

In most countries, however, unions have gradually won a larger role and became more accepted in society. Though anti-union sentiment is still strong among some employers,even in the UK. Many still seek to deny recognition to unions and discriminate against them.

Despite all opposition, discrimination and, at times, persecution Trade Unions have won benefits for their members and wider society. Unions continue to fight for safe working conditions, cut long working hours and encourage equality and rights at work.

Patrick Harrington, general secretary of Solidarity union said:"On May 1 I want you to take the time to applaud yourself on being a worker who is helping to build our fine Nation. Make no mistake, it is the labor of workers that builds and improves. Our nation is advanced and that's been built on the skill and energy of all our workers. You are a proud Union member who is honest and hard working, knows their value and upholds their dignity and those of other workers. May 1 is your day - enjoy it!"